I disagree. The 1 - 5 system and competing against a standard is, has been, and should continue to be an effective way to judge the region level. As stated in many other places on this board, there are (a majority) of bands, primarily rural, for whom the caption system would be a permanent and devastating change. For many, our jobs are tied to those UIL ratings, and when that system changes from a measured standard, subjective though it may be, to a win/lose order, most of the bands in our state would suffer. Where there is a ‘winner’, there will always be several ‘losers’, and that system doesn’t allow for demonstrable growth or quality over time for smaller programs.

When there is a gap as wide exists between your North Lamar’s and Lumbertons and your Smithvilles and Libertys, the caption system is an unrealistic one at the region level.

We’re a fine first division band; we don’t have the numbers or resources to compete seriously for SMC. I’m fine with that; don’t destroy our kids’ sense of achievement and ability in order to ‘win moar’.

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Lets get out of this S&E scoring. We need dedicated music, visual, and caption judges at all levels. I want to know that my 89.5 was close to the next bands 90.2. Not we got a 2 and they got a 1. That does not help me or my students.

Give me a better reason than "we've always done it this way" that we have this dumb 1-5 system?